Overview:
Position: Edge defender
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 255 pounds
School: Kansas State Wildcats
Combine Performance Data
40-yard dash: 4.53 seconds (second among defensive linemen)
Bench press: 24 reps
Vertical jump: 39 inches (second among defensive linemen)
Broad jump: 10 feet, 5 inches
Three-cone drill: 6.85 seconds (best among defensive linemen)
20-yard shuttle: 4.28 seconds (tied for third among defensive linemen)
Jordan Willis 2017 NFL Draft Profile
Jordan Willis has been a rising name through the NFL draft process. Willis was a player whose production has always been there, but a fine display at the combine reinforced the belief that this guy can be a playmaker on Sundays.
Willis came out of highschool the same way in which he entered the draft process; underrated. He came from Kansas City, Missouri as a three-star recruit. He was the 12th rated recruit in the state, but still only saw offers from local schools such as Kansas State, Kansas and Indiana. It was off to Kansas State for Willis, although it took him a year to get acclimated.
After appearing in just one game as a freshman, Willis began to see time as a sophomore. He appeared in 11 games, and compiled 26 tackles, seven for loss, and 4.5 sacks. As a junior, Willis became a full-time starter, and the force that we all know him by. He put up 34 tackles, 14 for loss, and 8.5 sacks. Willis also added three forced fumbles.
While that was strong, his senior year put his name on the map as a potential top 50 player in the NFL draft. Willis put up 52 tackles, 17.5 for loss 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Willis was named a third team All-American, and was the Big 12 defensive player of the year. An impressive resume, combined with being one of the biggest winners from the NFL combine has Willis’ stock sky high entering the NFL draft. How high is it? Here is our Jordan WIllis scouting report.
Strengths
- Good jump off of the snap;
- Creates good arm extension, doesn’t get sucked into blocks;
- Wins with his hands;
- Forceful bull rush;
- Can play in a 3-4 off of the ball or 4-3 on the line;
- Has a good swim move;
- Sets the edge well.
Weaknesses
- Takes bad paths to the quarterback;
- Lacks counter attacks when rushing the passer;
- More of a linear player than agile;
- Lacks consistent bend around the edge.
NFL Comparison: Jason Babin
Teams with needs at position: Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints
Projection: Second Round
Bottom Line:
Willis proved a lot of his doubters wrong in the combine. On tape, it appears that Willis typically wins with strength, hands, and power. However, in the combine, he flashed burst, agility and speed. Willis has always been able to get off of the ball, but to see that he has the athleticism to create bend, and get around tackles with a combination of finesse and power moves is impressive.
Instead of needing him to be a better athlete, most of his issues coming into the NFL are technique based, which is much easier to fix. It is possible that Willis shot himself up from a third round prospect, to a second and potentially even a first round player based on his workout at the combine. He can play in any scheme, has a higher floor than anticipated and has the college production to back it up. Willis will be an intriguing name this draft season, and can be a day one starter.
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